So its been several years since I've had a Jeep I could take off road and I was a careless kid back then. My Wrangler sat on stock wheels and tires and it didn't cost me but about 40-50$ to replace a tire if I blew one... My question here is, if I'm going to take my JK in a Creek to play, should I air down at all to help combat any sharp rocks or is there really not a whole lot I can do in that situation?

 

all depends on the creek, but honestly I've never had to air down when fording a creek.

 

Depends, if I am on a trail ride I always air down to 15-18psi. But, if I am close to pavement (few 100 meters) and want to play a little in the river/creek I never have aired down but should get in a routine to do it! If you are going to play in the creeks, extend your diff(s) transfer Case & Tranny breather tubes to avoid water contamination in your fluids . If you really like to play in deep water I highly recommend you look at investing in a snorkel to avoid hydrolocking.

 

I personnally never leave the pavement without airing down my tires to at least 18psi, Beside better traction it will protect your expensive tires from sharp surfaces and extend the tread life. Like the post above mentionned I would highly recommend extending your breathers if your going to play in higher than axles deep water, It's a very low cost mod and doesnt take you more than 20 minutes.

 

I don't know that my first trip back and my first trip in the JK will have me in water deeper than my axels unless this creek has changed quite a bit since the last time I was there several years ago. This is more of a test run to get the feel of it back and mainly because its killin me I haven't had this thing off road at all yet! However, this sounds like a easy enough mod and a cheap enough mod so I'm def gonna do it.

 

Stay out of creeks. A bug run of muddy water heading down a creek and a wet jeep coming out gives us a bad name. Tread lightly. Cross in as short a distance as possible and get out.

 

I couldnt believe how much smoother the ride on the same trail was the first time I aired down... on board air !! gotta love it !!